[Stablecoins Report] Risks, Challenges and Legal Framework of Stablecoins in Vietnam and Worldwide – Part 3
Stablecoins have emerged to reshape the way people transact, ushering in an era of digital finance that is fast and flexible. Alongside these benefits come risks and challenges that individuals and institutions alike must navigate—prompting countries around the world to quickly establish and refine legal frameworks to manage and develop this domain. Risks and Challenges of Stablecoins Despite their advantages, stablecoins carry significant risks and challenges for both users and the broader financial system. De-pegging and depreciation risks Although designed to maintain stability, stablecoins can lose their peg to reference values under certain conditions. This could be due to user panic and mass sell-offs, falling value of reserve assets (for crypto-backed types), or failure of operational algorithms (for algorithmic types). A notable example is the collapse of TerraUSD (UST) in May 2022. UST, an algorithmic stablecoin pegged to the USD via a mint/burn mechanism using the LUNA token, once reached a market cap of $18 billion. When confidence wavered, UST quickly lost its peg and crashed to nearly zero—causing tens of billions of dollars in investor losses. The “death spiral” not only destroyed UST/LUNA but also triggered a domino effect that led to the collapse of related funds and projects. Other stablecoins have also experienced de-pegging: Iron Finance’s IRON lost its value in 2021, USDT has temporarily dropped to $0.95 during market panic, and USDC fell to ~$0.88 in March 2023 due to reserve concerns before recovering. These incidents show that stablecoins are not “absolutely stable”—if reserve mechanisms are weak or unexpected events occur, stablecoins may crash in value, potentially resulting in total losses for investors. Risks in transparency and reserve assets For centralized (fiat-backed) stablecoins, trust in the issuer and reserves is paramount. A lack of transparency or failure to prove adequate reserves raises doubts. Tether (USDT) exemplifies this. For years, Tether faced criticism for not publishing independent audits, leading to concerns that USDT might not be fully backed by USD. Though Tether has since improved transparency (quarterly reserve reports) and claimed to hold ~$72.5 billion in U.S. Treasury bonds (as of Q2 2023), skepticism persists until a full audit is released. The quality of reserve assets is another issue: if reserves are invested in high-risk instruments (e.g., long-term bonds, low-quality commercial paper), market volatility can devalue reserves, threatening 1:1 redemption. Even reputable stablecoins like USDC were affected when ~$3.3 billion in reserves held at Silicon Valley Bank were frozen during its collapse—causing USDC to temporarily de-peg to ~$0.9. These cases highlight the necessity of high-quality, liquid reserves (cash or T-bills) to prevent systemic risk. As one expert said: “To avoid systemic risk, stablecoin reserves must be extremely safe and liquid.” Major events related to Stablecoins (2022–2023): Overall, the stablecoin market has undergone a “trust test”—well-reserved and transparent projects (like USDC) remained resilient, while weak or opaque ones were eliminated. Risks to the traditional financial system The rapid growth of stablecoins has raised concerns among regulators about systemic impacts. Large stablecoins like USDT and USDC hold massive reserves—Tether’s ~$72B in U.S. Treasuries is equivalent to a mid-sized bank or a major money market fund. A sudden stablecoin redemption wave (bank-run scenario) could force issuers to liquidate reserves, impacting money markets and traditional banking. Experts liken this to a looming “bank-run ghost” in crypto—without control, a widespread redemption event could destabilize both crypto and broader financial markets. Moreover, as private money issued outside central banks, stablecoins could divert deposits from commercial banks, weakening monetary policy tools and reducing banks’ lending capacity. A New York Fed report compares stablecoins to money market funds (MMFs): both aim to maintain a $1 value, but while MMFs are tightly regulated, stablecoins are not—posing potentially higher risks. There’s also concern that stablecoins may circumvent capital controls and AML/CFT regulations, allowing “hot money” to flow across borders unchecked. These concerns explain why regulators are on high alert and are pushing for stronger supervision frameworks to prevent systemic risks. In short, stablecoins are not risk-free. Users must understand each stablecoin’s mechanisms and credibility. Regulators must balance risk control (reserves, transparency, crime prevention) with innovation, as stablecoins can also benefit digital finance if properly managed. Legal landscape for Stablecoins in various countries Stablecoins straddle the line between currency and digital assets, prompting governments to explore legal frameworks. While approaches differ by country, the trend is toward increased oversight, ensuring reserves and reducing systemic risks. United States The U.S. has no unified federal law for stablecoins, resulting in fragmented regulation. The SEC considers some stablecoins securities, while the CFTC focuses on commodity-linked stablecoins (e.g., gold-backed). In 2021, the President’s Working Group on Financial Markets recommended regulating stablecoins like bank deposits. By 2023, draft federal legislation emerged (from the House Financial Services Committee) to set reserve and oversight requirements, but has not passed yet. Meanwhile, some states have acted: European Union (EU) The EU is a pioneer in digital asset regulation via the MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets) framework, adopted in 2023 and effective from 2024. MiCA categorizes stablecoins as: Requirements include: Oversight is shared between national regulators, ESMA (European Securities and Markets Authority), and the ECB for large stablecoins. MiCA limits the scale of non-euro stablecoins—if daily transactions exceed €200 million, usage may be restricted, preventing dominance by USD-backed coins. The EU aims to stabilize the stablecoin market and protect the euro. Major issuers like Circle are preparing to register under MiCA to continue operations in Europe. Singapore Singapore adopts a proactive, conditional approach to stablecoins. In 2022, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) stated that digital asset innovation is welcome—but not crypto speculation. Stablecoins, if well-regulated, could serve alongside CBDCs and tokenized bank deposits. In Aug 2023, MAS issued a regulatory framework for single-currency stablecoins (SCS) pegged to SGD or G10 currencies, issued in Singapore. Requirements include: Three entities (including Paxos and Circle via StraitsX) have received in-principle approval to issue compliant stablecoins—Singapore’s regulatory “sandbox” encourages innovation while ensuring safety. China China takes a strict stance on cryptocurrencies, including stablecoins. It has banned crypto trading, mining, and ICOs
[Stablecoins Report] Stablecoins and CBDCs: Definitions and Objectives – Part 2
Stablecoins and Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) are widely regarded as powerful instruments for advancing traditional financial systems. They promise to usher in a more inclusive, efficient, and cost-effective global financial landscape. 1. Understanding Stablecoins and CBDCs Both stablecoins and CBDCs are forms of digital currency with stable values typically pegged to fiat money. However, they differ significantly in terms of issuing authorities, governance mechanisms, and several other key aspects: • Issuing Authorities Stablecoins are issued by private entities or decentralized organizations (e.g., Tether, Circle, MakerDAO), whereas CBDCs are issued directly by a country’s central bank. In essence, CBDCs represent state-backed digital versions of national currencies, while stablecoins function as “private money” governed by corporations or communities. • Collateral and Value Assurance CBDCs are recognized as legal tender in some countries, backed by the “full faith and credit” of the government, ensuring their value and usability. In contrast, stablecoins rely on collateral assets or algorithmic mechanisms promised by the issuers. Their value assurance is tied to the issuer’s credibility and reserves, without any governmental guarantee—introducing credit risks not present in CBDCs, which are virtually risk-free like cash. • Technology and Distribution Stablecoins are inherently built on distributed ledger technology (DLT), most commonly blockchain. Users manage stablecoins via personal digital wallets and engage in peer-to-peer transactions over the internet. Conversely, CBDCs are typically developed using centralized ledger technologies. Distribution models vary by country and include: While CBDCs can adopt DLT, they usually employ private versions where the central bank or authorized parties retain control—unlike the open, permissionless nature of public blockchains. • Transparency and Privacy Stablecoin transactions on public blockchains are highly transparent—every transaction is recorded and can be traced using blockchain explorers. However, user anonymity is relatively preserved since wallet addresses aren’t directly linked to real-world identities. CBDCs, on the other hand, are designed with more stringent oversight. Central banks can often access detailed user transaction data (e.g., China’s PBoC can trace all e-CNY transactions). Privacy levels vary by country, but full anonymity—like with cash—is generally avoided due to concerns about financial crime. • Integration with Financial Systems CBDCs integrate seamlessly into national financial systems and monetary policy frameworks. Central banks can regulate the supply of CBDCs and set policies like usage limits or interest rates. Stablecoins operate independently of these systems, and central banks can only influence their supply indirectly through regulation. This independence has raised concerns among regulators who see unregulated stablecoins as potential threats to monetary policy and systemic stability. Nevertheless, with proper regulation, stablecoins and CBDCs can coexist and complement each other. As Singapore’s stance suggests: “Stablecoins can be useful alongside CBDCs if risks are well-managed.” 2. Objectives of CBDCs and Stablecoins Enhancing Payments and Transactions In several countries, both CBDCs and stablecoins are already being used for everyday payments and peer-to-peer (P2P) transfers. Stablecoins offer low-cost, near-instant transactions, enabling users to make payments, shop, or send money directly without going through banks. In China, the e-CNY has been piloted in over 20 major cities including Shenzhen, Beijing, and Shanghai… Citizens can use digital wallets for offline purchases, subway rides, and bill payments. e-CNY is also integrated with popular payment platforms like WeChat Pay and Alipay, boosting accessibility and convenience. Expanding Financial Inclusion In countries with underdeveloped banking systems, stablecoins offer a viable alternative for value exchange, ensuring that transactions can occur even without access to banking services. Digital currencies drive innovation in both technology and economic models, acting as catalysts for digital economies and societies. For instance, migrant workers use stablecoins to send remittances home, bypassing high fees and bureaucratic hurdles associated with traditional money transfer services. Similarly, in Nigeria—where a large portion of the population is unbanked—the Central Bank launched the eNaira in 2021. According to government statistics, millions of new users gained access to financial services through the CBDC, helping bridge the digital divide and support marginalized communities. Facilitating Cross-Border Trade Stablecoins significantly simplify cross-border payments by reducing costs and transfer times. Transactions are nearly instantaneous and much cheaper than traditional bank transfers or services like Western Union. CBDCs also aim to improve cross-border transactions, often through international collaborations. Notable projects include: Powering Decentralized Finance (DeFi) Stablecoins serve as foundational assets in the DeFi ecosystem. Due to their price stability, they are widely used as collateral or borrowing assets in blockchain-based lending platforms. The advent of stablecoins has greatly expanded DeFi’s reach, allowing users to trade and invest without the volatility typical of traditional cryptocurrencies. Preserving Value Amid Inflation and Currency Instability In countries facing high inflation, USD-pegged stablecoins help citizens preserve the value of their assets. Instead of holding rapidly depreciating local currency, people turn to stablecoins as a safe haven. In Nigeria, for example, where the naira depreciated sharply in 2024, stablecoins became a popular choice—helping the country become the world’s second-largest crypto user. These digital dollars enable individuals to save value without needing foreign bank accounts, serving as an effective hedge in unstable economies. Strengthening Monetary Policy and Sovereignty By issuing CBDCs and aggregating user data from wallet providers, central banks gain precise tools to manage money supply and monitor cash flow in real-time. This enhances the effectiveness of monetary policy by reducing reaction time and improving decision-making accuracy. CBDCs also help preserve national monetary sovereignty in the face of competing digital currencies. Unlocking Opportunities for Fintech Innovation CBDCs or stablecoins could attract domestic fintech companies to participate in emerging technology markets—such as the development of open banking products, decentralized finance (DeFi), or cloud-based services—thereby enhancing the country’s financial infrastructure.They also help position a nation as a digital innovation and tech-startup-friendly environment, while still maintaining financial and monetary stability. Stablecoins and CBDCs are promising solutions that can drive the growth of the digital economy.Stablecoins offer flexibility and are widely adopted by the private sector and in emerging markets, whereas CBDCs act as state-led tools to modernize financial systems and improve control over money flows. CBDCs are expected to shape the future of national currencies in the digital era. The
[Stablecoins Report] What Are Stablecoins? Popular Stablecoins Today – Part 1
In the volatile world of cryptocurrency, stablecoins have emerged as a type of digital asset designed to maintain a stable value by being pegged to traditional assets such as fiat currencies or commodities. More than just a medium of exchange, stablecoins play a vital role in decentralized finance (DeFi) and hold the potential to revolutionize the global financial system. 1. Understanding Stablecoins A stablecoin is a type of cryptocurrency engineered to maintain price stability by pegging its value to an external reference asset—typically a fiat currency like the US Dollar. The main goal of stablecoins is to combine the advantages of cryptocurrencies (such as fast, borderless, peer-to-peer transactions) with the price stability of traditional assets. Each unit of stablecoin is usually backed by an equivalent amount of a real-world asset (e.g., 1 USDT backed by 1 USD), ensuring its value remains close to a 1:1 peg. Key characteristics of stablecoins: Thanks to these benefits, stablecoins are acting as a bridge between the crypto economy and traditional finance, helping mitigate price volatility in crypto markets. 2. Types of Stablecoins Stablecoins use different mechanisms to maintain their value. Based on the underlying collateral and price-pegging method, they can be classified into the following main categories: • Fiat-Collateralized Stablecoins This is the most common type, backed by reserves of fiat currency held by a centralized issuer. Each stablecoin in circulation is matched by an equivalent amount of fiat currency (e.g., USD, EUR) stored in a bank account.Examples: Tether (USDT), USD Coin (USDC) – both pegged 1:1 to the US Dollar. • Commodity-Backed Stablecoins These are pegged to physical assets such as gold or oil.Example: Tether Gold (XAU₮) – each XAU₮ token is backed by one troy ounce of physical gold held in reserve. This enables users to hold commodities in a digital format. • Crypto-Collateralized Stablecoins These are backed by other cryptocurrencies (such as ETH or BTC). Due to the volatile nature of crypto assets, overcollateralization is typically required. This means $1 worth of stablecoin is often backed by $1.5–2 worth of crypto. This buffer helps maintain the peg even if the backing asset declines in value.Example: DAI (MakerDAO) – designed to track the US Dollar. Users lock crypto assets (e.g., ETH, USDC) in smart contracts to mint DAI. If the collateral value drops too low, the system automatically liquidates it to maintain full backing and price stability. • Algorithmic Stablecoins These stablecoins may have little to no collateral and maintain their peg through algorithms and market mechanisms. Instead of holding reserves, the protocol adjusts the stablecoin’s supply in response to market demand.Smart contracts automatically mint or burn tokens when the price deviates from the target peg.Examples: Ampleforth (AMPL), which adjusts daily token supply to stabilize price, or FRAX, which initially used a hybrid model of partial collateral and algorithmic stabilization. The benefit of this model is full decentralization, as it doesn’t rely on a centralized reserve. However, it carries high risk—market confidence is crucial. If the algorithm fails, the peg can collapse completely.Case in point: The crash of TerraUSD (UST) in 2022, a former leading algorithmic stablecoin, which lost its peg entirely. Other classification approaches: Still, the three main categories—fiat-backed, crypto-backed, and algorithmic—form the foundation of most stablecoins in today’s market. Each comes with trade-offs regarding stability, decentralization, and reliance on trusted third parties. 3. Most Popular Stablecoins Today (Market Cap, Mechanism, Transparency, Adoption) The stablecoin market has seen rapid growth, with hundreds of projects launched. However, most of the market capitalization is concentrated in a few key players. Below is an overview of major stablecoins, comparing their mechanisms, scale, and trustworthiness: Stablecoin Type & Collateral Price Pegging Mechanism Market Cap (USD) Transparency & Trust Popularity USDT (Tether) Fiat (USD) Fully backed by reserves of cash and US Treasury bills held by Tether ≈ $80B (largest) Widely used but has faced scrutiny over reserve transparency Most widely adopted globally; accounts for ~2/3 of stablecoin supply; high liquidity on CEXs and DeFi USDC (Circle) Fiat (USD) Fully backed by reserves held by Circle’s licensed banking partners (cash & US Treasuries) ≈ $25–30B (2nd largest) Highly transparent: weekly attestations, reserves held in reputable US banks; governed by Center (Circle & Coinbase) Highly trusted, second-most popular; adopted by financial institutions; integrated into DeFi and payment systems (e.g., Visa, Mastercard pilots) DAI (MakerDAO) Crypto (multi-asset) Overcollateralized by crypto assets (ETH, USDC, WBTC, etc.) locked in smart contracts; auto-liquidation if collateral value drops ≈ $5B (largest decentralized stablecoin) Fully on-chain transparency; governed by MakerDAO community; partially reliant on centralized assets like USDC Popular in DeFi: widely used in lending protocols, yield farming, and viewed as a leading decentralized stablecoin FRAX (Frax Finance) Hybrid: crypto & algorithmic Initially partially collateralized (USDC + crypto) and algorithmically managed via FXS token; after Terra crash, moved to 100% collateralization ≈ $1B (Top 5 in 2023) Transparent mechanism and collateral; governed by DAO; move to full collateral improved credibility; still reliant on crypto assets and unaudited Innovative hybrid model; once the most successful algorithmic stablecoin; used in select DeFi protocols and communities, but scale remains smaller than USDT/USDC Other notable stablecoins include: Despite increasing competition, USDT and USDC dominate the market in both volume and liquidity, forming the backbone of most global crypto transactions.
Stablecoins in Vietnam: Current situation and prospects
Stablecoins are becoming an increasingly hot topic within Vietnam’s financial and tech communities. Although not legally recognized as a means of payment, stablecoins have been quietly growing in popularity in investment as well as crypto. So, where do stablecoins currently stand in Vietnam’s digital finance landscape, and what does the future hold for them? 1. Legal status of stablecoins in Vietnam As of now, stablecoins are not recognized as a legal means of payment under Vietnamese law. The State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) has declared that the issuance, provision, and use of Bitcoin and similar virtual currencies — including stablecoins — as a form of payment is illegal and subject to administrative fines ranging from VND 150 to 200 million. Any form of payment using stablecoins — whether USDT, USDC, or other tokens — is strictly prohibited. However, while payment via stablecoins is banned, the government does not prohibit the holding or trading of cryptocurrencies as a form of digital asset. In recent years, the government has taken initial steps toward regulating the digital asset sector. For instance, the 2022 Anti-Money Laundering Law was the first to officially include virtual assets within its regulatory scope. Moreover, initiatives like Decision 1255/QĐ-TTg (2017) and the Ministry of Finance’s formation of a research group on cryptocurrency in 2020 show that the Vietnamese government is gradually moving toward establishing a legal framework for this emerging sector. 2. Stablecoin usage in Vietnam Despite the lack of a clear legal framework, Vietnamese users widely utilize stablecoins in investment and crypto-related activities, notably within these main groups: 3. Vietnamese businesses and startups involved in stablecoins Within Vietnam’s blockchain ecosystem, several businesses and projects are either developing or integrating stablecoin-related technologies: VNDC was among the first domestic stablecoin projects, pegging 1 VNDC = 1 VND and operating as a fiat-backed token on blockchain. Though not officially licensed, VNDC and the ONUS platform have attracted millions of users. Today, ONUS continues as a crypto investment platform, with VNDC coexisting alongside international stablecoins. International entities like Binance and Stably have launched VND-pegged stablecoins such as BVND and VNDS. However, these coins have yet to gain significant traction, due in part to low public trust and a lack of legal backing in Vietnam. A few small fintech firms have started using stablecoins for cross-border remittances, though end users still receive VND. Meanwhile, Vietnamese blockchain company TomoChain has collaborated on stablecoin/CBDC development for other countries such as Laos — highlighting Vietnam’s potential in both technology and talent for digital finance. 4. Future directions and outlook for Stablecoins in Vietnam So far, regulators have remained cautious and have not moved to legalize stablecoins. Instead, the State Bank of Vietnam is prioritizing research into launching a central bank digital currency (CBDC). This reflects the government’s interest in digital currency, but with a preference for state-issued and controlled solutions over privately developed stablecoins. Looking ahead, several developments are possible: At present, stablecoins in Vietnam remain in a legal gray area. While their use is thriving in the crypto community, the regulatory framework is still under construction. In the future, as the government continues to prioritize digital transformation and digital currency initiatives, stablecoins may be brought under a clearer legal structure — or be complemented, if not replaced, by a state-controlled CBDC. Key stakeholders — including the SBV, Ministry of Finance, and industry associations — are closely monitoring international developments to shape Vietnam’s policy on stablecoins.
2025 – The Year of Payment Stablecoins (PSC)
Payment stablecoins are transitioning from peer-to-peer transactions to mainstream B2B and B2C payment applications, driving significant changes in traditional payment systems—an area traditionally dominated by banks. According to Deloitte, 2025 is poised to be the year of payment stablecoins. 1. What is a Stablecoin? A stablecoin, as the name suggests, refers to a “stable” currency, meaning reliable, balanced, and secure. By pegging its value to fiat currency or gold, stablecoins maintain a stable price while leveraging blockchain’s decentralized nature, ensuring security and strict control. Payment Stablecoins (PSC) are a specific type of stablecoin designed for payment purposes. They have the potential to enhance payment systems, reduce transaction costs, and promote financial inclusion. However, if not properly managed, they could also pose systemic risks. 2. The Growth of Stablecoins PSC has seen rapid growth in recent years, with market capitalization reaching hundreds of billions of USD. These stablecoins are widely used in cryptocurrency transactions, cross-border payments, and decentralized finance (DeFi). 3. Regulations and Policies Governments worldwide are seeking to regulate PSC to ensure transparency and mitigate financial risks. Countries like the U.S., the EU, and Singapore have proposed new regulatory frameworks to oversee this market. In the U.S., PSC issuance has primarily been driven by non-bank entities and crypto companies. However, the competitive landscape is shifting as the U.S. moves toward a clear and consistent national regulatory framework for PSC issuance. Looking ahead to 2025, various factors are encouraging traditional financial institutions (non-crypto firms) to consider becoming PSC issuers. These factors include the increasing market capitalization and transaction volume of fiat-backed stablecoins, signals from the new administration, regulatory agencies, and legislative developments in Congress aimed at establishing PSC regulations. 4. Trends in 2025 5. The Potential of PSC PSC enables instant, low-cost payments, encouraging users to shift from traditional financial or payment systems to blockchain networks. Additionally, PSC mitigates the risks and volatility associated with non-fiat-backed cryptocurrencies (e.g., Bitcoin). With PSC market capitalization surpassing $200 billion, more businesses are developing platforms that facilitate PSC transactions. To date, PSC market capitalization and trading volume have primarily stemmed from cryptocurrency and digital asset transactions. PSC has provided a stable medium of exchange, particularly during periods of market volatility. However, its applications are expanding beyond digital asset trading. PSC is now used for remittances and payments unrelated to digital assets, offering a faster and more cost-effective alternative to traditional financial systems. In many cases, PSC is being adopted as an extension or substitute for fiat currency. For PSC to reach its full potential, further advancements are needed to overcome barriers in retail and commercial payments. This includes improving technological infrastructure and encouraging broader adoption by financial institutions, businesses, and consumers. By addressing these challenges, PSC can drive significant changes in global financial transactions, making them faster and more cost-efficient. 6. Risks of PSC While PSC offers numerous opportunities, it also comes with significant risks that issuers must navigate, particularly as they operate in both traditional financial regulatory environments and the crypto ecosystem. Despite these challenges, payment stablecoins continue to grow rapidly and hold the potential to become a crucial financial instrument in the global economy due to their widespread usability and low-cost transactions. 2025 could mark a significant turning point for PSC in terms of market capitalization, transaction volume, and regulatory developments. The market awaits new developments with anticipation. Source: Deloitte
Open Banking 2025: Future Trends and Forecasts
Open banking is a significant development that enables secure data sharing and collaboration between financial institutions, technology companies, and customers. It breaks down traditional barriers in finance by facilitating secure collaboration and data sharing between all stakeholders. As a result, this empowers customers, fuels competition, and drives innovation in financial services. As per estimates, the value of open banking transactions worldwide will grow by more than 500 % between 2023 and 2027. It is expected to rise from 57 billion U.S. dollars to 330 billion U.S. dollars in this period. Did you know, that experts suggest that it holds the potential to make the financial ecosystem more inclusive, safer and customer-centric? Let us discuss some future trends to understand open banking’s impact better. Notable Open Banking Trends in 2025 You Must Know Open banking is a financial services model that uses application programming interfaces (APIs) to let third-party developers access data in traditional banking systems. It gives consumers more control over their financial information while service providers can improve their decision-making and offer customised solutions. In a way, this model changes the way financial data is shared and accessed. Let’s explore the emerging trends and future forecasts in open banking in 2025: Tightening Data Security and Privacy Norms Open banking and the increasing partnerships with technology partners can expose banks to more risks and cyberattacks. As generative artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more sophisticated, the threat of deep fakes is also growing, making it more challenging for financial institutions to discern human customers from those imitating their likenesses. By 2025, governments will devise stricter regulatory frameworks and advanced security technologies to deal with these fast-evolving threats and protect consumer data. Innovations such as biometric authentication, blockchain, and AI-driven security protocols are some of the technological innovations that will help safeguard customer data and protect against breaches. For example, U.K. government directives like PSD2 and the Open Banking Initiative are examples of regulators formulating guidelines to safeguard all stakeholders. Synergy of Open Banking and AI and ML Artificial intelligence and machine learning (ML) will continue to power the growth of open banking. Banks and fintech companies will be able to offer personalised services and proactive financial management advice leveraging these technologies. AI-driven chatbots and virtual assistants will become more prevalent, providing instant support and tailored financial recommendations. Similarly, as voice-activated AI assistants become more sophisticated, integrating them with open banking platforms will redefine consumer interaction with their financial data. Embedded Finance Will Become Mainstream Embedded finance is when financial services like loans or payments are seamlessly integrated into non-financial apps like buying something right within a shopping app. Going forward, companies from various industries will offer banking services as part of their product offerings. So, consumers can purchase insurance while booking a holiday package online or apply for a loan while shopping on an app. They can also enjoy a more convenient and integrated experience, blurring the lines between traditional financial institutions and other service providers. Open banking acts as the springboard for embedded finance. It represents an innovation opportunity no longer restricted to only the financial sector and will lead to a more interconnected financial ecosystem. Emphasis on Financial Inclusion Open finance has the potential to reduce financial gaps and enhance financial inclusion. CGAP study reveals data has the potential to be transformational for financial inclusion, and open finance can be the key to unlocking it. Data-driven financial services can help close inclusion gaps. CGAP research further suggests that despite income and gender-based differences, more low-income people (including women) are generating digital data trails than ever before. The growth of data trails presents an enormous opportunity to focus more on financial inclusion. By 2025, banks and FIs initiatives to extend banking services to unbanked and underbanked individuals will gain momentum. Data-driven financial services allow FIs to offer more varied and better-tailored financial solutions, including to previously unbanked or poorly banked customers. Evolution of Open Finance Open finance is the natural successor to open banking. Currently, it remains focused on sharing banking data; however, soon, this will expand to include a wider range of services, collectively known as open finance. Open data use will evolve beyond traditional banking products to include mortgages, credit cards, insurance, foreign exchange, retirement products, and cryptocurrency. This expansion will facilitate innovation and provide consumers with better financial management tools and personalised services. By 2025, FIs and banks will have a more holistic approach, enabling consumers to manage all their financial assets through a single platform. For example, Australia and India are looking at how data exchange goes beyond the financial sector to facilitate a more open economy, where data is shared across industries, including telecommunications, energy, and agriculture. Standardisation and Interoperability of APIs The lack of standardised APIs is one of the major challenges open banking adoption faces. Currently, different banks and financial institutions use diverse API standards, making it difficult for third-party providers to adapt to each API. To Sum It Up Open banking is facilitating the creation of a more competitive and user-centric financial services landscape. The model is widely recognised and well-integrated into financial ecosystems and will continue to grow stronger in 2025 and beyond. With financial institutions, fintechs, and regulators working together, consumers will benefit from improved choice, greater security, customised solutions and better financial wellbeing. This banking model relies on the use of APIs that provide access to the bank’s core system and data. Efficient use of APIs helps businesses and consumers enjoy easy access to custom banking services without compromising safety. Source: https://finezza.in/blog/open-banking-emerging-trends-and-future-forecasts/ About SAVYINT and the SAVYINT Open Banking solution SAVYINT is a trusted service provider leading the market and is in the TOP 10 leading IT companies in Vietnam. SAVYINT has successfully developed the SAVYINT Open Banking solution – a specialized system dedicated to the Finance – Banking sector, meeting legal and technological requirements to create connections and build a digital financial ecosystem. With a solid technological infrastructure and experience in deployment and operation, SAVYINT provides customers with advanced technology and the best user experience. The SAVYINT Open Banking solution
The Journey from Open Banking, to Open Finance and Open Data
The open banking ecosystem is developing strongly with significant and positive impacts on global finance; it is time for the world to witness the next chapters of open finance and open data. In fact, open banking emerged quite by chance. Previously, in the UK, when fintech companies were just entering the retail payment market, there were no specific regulations on how to collaborate or manage when parties were involved together. A study conducted by the UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) indicated that the retail banking sector in the UK was monopolized in this market. This research result created a push for the issuance of open finance regulations globally, aimed at improving competitiveness and economic development. From there, the concept of open banking was born, with specific provisions outlined in the PSD2 directive of the European Parliament, while concepts such as Account Information Service Provider (AISP – aggregating user data from multiple accounts) and Payment Initiation Service Provider (PISP – providing inter-account payment services) were also clearly defined. The emergence of open banking encourages banks to invest in API technology and develop partnerships with fintech organizations across Europe. Among them, Nordic banks were the first institutions to enthusiastically embrace this concept. Not all open banking models are the same When looking at the big picture, banks in the Nordic region have ample opportunities and technology to develop an open banking ecosystem thanks to the advancements of service providers as well as consumer acceptance. While in the Nordic countries, top banks fear losing customers and are quite quick to adopt advancements in open financial technology. Meanwhile, in the UK, users here are rather cautious due to fears of fraud, lack of personal data security, or unstable APIs, etc. An important factor contributing to success in the Nordic countries is that banks have become third-party service providers (TPPs) themselves, rather than allowing more innovative competitors to capture market share. A case in point is Danske Bank, which operates in all four major markets in the Nordic region with a payment application launched in the first half of 2018, and throughout the year, the banking interface between consumers and sellers was truly refined. Danske also allows customers to make payments from other banks within its banking app. These rapid transformations are made possible by several specific factors in the Nordic region, including the decreasing use of cash and the development of digital identity technology in the Nordic countries. In contrast to the Nordic region, at the same time in the UK, efforts to create open banking applications have not yet been widely accepted by users due to the barriers mentioned above. To overcome these barriers, the UK’s Open Banking Implementation Entity (OBIE) has created an app store for both users and businesses to search for and use financial services that complement their online bank accounts. Laws are not barriers but are put in place to support businesses serving users In many countries, the rapid development of technology outpacing legislation poses many challenges for both regulatory agencies and businesses: regulators struggle to establish an appropriate legal framework, while businesses face uncertainty about regulations, slowing down the process of delivering new services to consumers. However, the significant role of law in protecting users, safeguarding participants in the open banking ecosystem, and driving change and innovation cannot be denied. As pioneering data aggregation organizations in Europe – MoneyHub (established in 2009, UK), Bankin (established in 2011, France), and Spiir (established in 2011, Denmark) – have developed strongly to date. These organizations and their customers are strong evidence that users believe in the benefits of transferring money between accounts and making payments regardless of which bank their accounts are with. Additionally, there are other data aggregators aiming to maintain competition, ensuring that these transaction methods truly help consumers save time and reduce costs. In fact, when account aggregation apps added convenient payment features, the number of users increased exponentially. This shows the positive interaction between tech companies and regulators. In Northern Europe – where banks and fintech organizations have been ahead of regulators, leveraging APIs for a long time, not only for compliance with PSD2 regulations but also because these organizations want to create truly useful applications for users. Digital identification promotes open finance and open data In less transactional fields, such as the energy sector, digital identification helps accelerate the development of products and services as well as consumer adoption. Northern Europe is an example of applying digital identification in banking for commercial purposes. As a result, digital identification is quite commonly used in Northern Europe, helping to speed up the customer verification process; now, fintech companies not only compete with banks but can also compete with credit and debit card providers (who have weaknesses in storing customer information online). Overall, organizations and businesses outside the financial-banking sector should use digital identification. Because digital identification helps accelerate progress in all fields. Open data facilitates competition and drives innovation and creativity After a period of implementation and acceptance, open banking has developed faster than initially anticipated. Now, users can request banks to provide transaction history, identification images, and other information to any bank or third party they wish. Users can also easily change accounts, apply for loans, or register for credit cards with new providers. Additionally, users can manage their financial history on a single platform, without wasting time switching between applications. This journey is becoming increasingly attractive, as new players are also ready to join the “game.” In the future, organizations outside the financial sector will also use open data to provide highly personalized products and services based on users’ control over their own data. These “new players” will help users easily search for and be provided with necessary services that meet their needs. Any service that maximizes time and cost savings will succeed in the journey to win over users. Open data – Opportunities for leaders Accessing open banking and open finance from the perspective of regulators or users is not a problem that
Open Banking and financial inclusion strategy
1. What is open banking? Open banking allows third parties to access financial data such as current accounts, card accounts, savings accounts, loan information, and KYC information. In some markets like Europe, open banking also allows access to bank accounts to initiate payments, also known as open payments. Open banking is often associated with legal requirements that allow third parties to access bank accounts. This is most prominent in the United Kingdom, where “Open Banking is a national program implementing legal requirements for access to current accounts. However, open banking (or more broadly open finance) is also understood as the development of a new financial ecosystem based on connections between financial institutions and businesses, supported by APIs. Financial institutions are allowing fintech companies and other businesses to integrate financial services into their customer offerings, providing access to banking data and delivering full banking services through APIs. 2. The meaning of Open Banking and the factors driving Open Banking 2.1. The meaning of Open Banking Open Banking focuses on serving consumers, using API or SDK technology as the core foundation and operating within the financial ecosystem. Based on this definition, open banking has three main characteristics: data portability, customer autonomy, and the responsibility of the recipient. 2.2. Data portability The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) defines data portability as “the ability to easily transfer data from one system to another without having to re-enter the data.” Based on this definition, in open banking, consumers can share their relevant banking data with third-party service providers (TPPs), in accordance with “data portability.” Data portability in open banking is supported by standardized and compatible data technology, primarily APIs. 2.3. Customer autonomy Customer autonomy is the ability to consider and act based on reasons that are appropriate to the market context. This is a fundamental principle of liberal democracy, where marketers are allowed to influence customers but must respect their autonomy. Open banking empowers customers to control the sharing of their banking data, and this right is supported by the legal rights of customers to share data through open banking. 2.4. Responsibilities of the receiving party The open banking system requires third-party providers (TPPs) to be accountable to customers. Therefore, Fintech companies that receive banking data must be responsible for protecting this data from leaks, theft, etc. This is why closely managing TPPs through regulation is very important. Overall, these three characteristics of open banking reflect the goal of improving competitiveness, fostering innovation, and enhancing consumer protection. 2.5. Factors driving open banking a. Increasing customer expectations Customers expect seamless, instant services that provide added value to meet their financial needs. As consumers demand more personalized financial tools to improve their financial situation, financial institutions (FIs) will have to compete with fintech companies to maintain customer relationships and generate new revenue streams. Open banking and open finance allow financial institutions to leverage customer financial data to enhance customer experience and reduce administrative costs for processes such as account opening, mortgage application, and home loan borrowing. For example, HSBC allows intermediaries to share business account statements of self-employed mortgage borrowers through open banking, shortening the time from loan application to approval. Banks and fintech companies can develop innovative and personalized financial solutions in the payments sector, such as lending or personal financial management (PFM). This is a fertile ground: Over 90% of consumers in North America use digital applications to manage money, from products and services for simple financial tasks like bill payments or digital banking to more complex needs like financial forecasting, cryptocurrency investing, and crowdfunding. Worldwide, the movement demanding the transfer of control over personal data to consumers, especially data shared with third-party service providers (TPPs), is becoming increasingly strong. Therefore, service providers (such as banks, fintech) need to adjust their systems to allow customers to decide the data they share, including granting customers the right to permit (or revoke) data sharing and only allowing the recipient to use the data for SPECIFIC PURPOSES that the customer has agreed to. Open banking enables businesses operating in the financial sector to leverage customer financial data, after obtaining their consent, to develop innovative and highly personalized financial solutions. b. Open API connectivity is becoming increasingly popular With Open API, financial institutions (FIs) can expand their service distribution channels by collaborating with fintech companies. Open banking through APIs can be seen as the next step in the evolution of banks’ distribution models. By sharing data via Open API, financial institutions allow fintech companies to integrate this data into their applications. FIs can charge fintech companies for data usage or establish revenue sharing if the partner brings new customers to the FI. In this way, FIs create an ecosystem of third-party developers, providing innovative experiences for customers without having to develop everything in-house. Financial institutions (FIs) can also connect through APIs with other financial service providers and offer their products to customers. In this way, FIs can quickly bring new products from leading providers to market. As a result, the traditional value chain of banking and financial services is shifting from a single approach to a multi-party ecosystem. However, many financial institutions and large enterprises are still in the process of digital transformation. On the other hand, the infrastructure of fintech companies is designed with an API-first and cloud-based approach. The challenge for financial institutions is to modernize their infrastructure while meeting the rapidly changing demands of customers and complying with increasingly complex legal requirements. c. Customer identification has become a core element in business strategy Customer identification is one of the top priorities for businesses. Financial institutions (FIs) are striving to modernize their customer identification solutions. Some notable trends in this area include: Modernizing customer identification at financial institutions (FIs) is often driven by the desire to improve digital experience. This is not a new motivation, but the provision of multi-party services is creating challenges as the old identification systems of FIs hinder a seamless experience. Financial institution leaders are well aware that multi-party services are a
Europe pushes Open Banking: Mandatory UX improvements on banking apps
How you see and interact with your online bank accounts is about to change. That’s because Europe is forcing change into the financial market. Digital transformation is a thing this decade. “Digital disruption,” startups who want to be “the Uber of X” in their industry, and going “mobile first” are not new trends. But the banking industry has been slow to move with the times. New businesses have started to push into the European banking market. Yet progress has been slow, due to both regulation and customer inertia. Even though companies who focus on the best customer experience outperform the market. The pace of change in the banking industry will accelerate in 2018. Some new laws coming into effect are to thank. Why are things changing? European governments have decided that “traditional” banks are uncompetitive and slow. New banks find it very hard to break into the market. To do something about this, they have created some new legislation. This new legislation will force all banks to share a lot more digital information when their customers ask them to. As the above diagram shows, current core banking services will have a new digital interface added. This is called an API, or Application Programming Interface. It will allow third party “fintech” (Financial Technology) apps and services to get information directly from your bank. It’ll also add a new layer of tools on top. These fintech apps may be provided by your bank, or by external companies. All these changes must become law by January, 2018. In addition to the European legislation (PSD2), the UK has its own version (Open Banking). So this change will affect the UK regardless of Brexit. What differences will it make? This piece will focus on three of the biggest, broadest changes and how they will affect consumers. I will also follow up with a deeper dive into each change. There, I’ll discuss possible side effects as well as business opportunities. Direct bank account payments What are they? Right now, if you’re shopping online, you would most likely choose to pay with your debit card. The merchant (e.g. Amazon) has an acquirer (e.g. WorldPay) who coordinates with your debit card provider (e.g. Visa). They will then pull the payment out of your bank account (e.g. Barclays). That’s a lot of companies — and they’re all getting paid. The idea is that you, the consumer, can instead “push” a bank transfer direct from your bank (Barclays) to the merchant (Amazon). How it affects you, the consumer In the future, instead of entering all your card information, you’d grant Amazon permission to access your bank account. The user experience would be like logging into other websites with your Facebook account today. The first time, it will take you to your bank’s website and ask you to confirm your authorization. After that, the permission should stay active until you revoke it, so you can just click and buy. It will be interesting to see how this change affects all those other companies who were playing the middlemen. That will, of course, have an indirect effect on you. But it’s hard to say exactly what. Amazon’s costs should go down. Will they pass those savings on to you, or otherwise incentivize you to pay in the way that’s cheapest for them? Information sharing across all financial institutions What is it? Currently, the only way to get your bank information online is to log on to the website. Or perhaps they have a clumsily ported mobile website, packaged as an “app.” If you wanted to let another organization see your bank account, you’d have to give them your login details. This breaks the bank’s T&Cs, and would cause all kinds of issues in case of fraud or misuse. How it affects you By the new regulations, banks must provide a secure way for third parties to access your banking information. You will be able to consolidate all your information in one place, and see your ‘actual’ balance across all banks, accounts, and cards. Furthermore, you’ll be able to use that information in useful services. For example, some of the new “challenger banks” like Monzo or Starling can show you a breakdown of your spending. They can do it by category (e.g. restaurants), then by store (e.g. Nandos), then by transaction. They’ll even show you the location of that pub where you bought a round last night. Now imagine if you didn’t have to switch current accounts or wait for your bank to bring out something similar. You could just plug in to a service that collates it for you, from all your accounts and credit cards. After these changes, that should be possible and even simple. There are many possible applications for this type of information. Some examples include: personalized credit or budgeting advice; easier savings; easier current account switching (based on automated, personalized advice); better terms for loans or credit (in exchange for more access to your information for underwriting); easier personal tax returns, or small business accounting; third party fraud detection services you can use across all your cards and accounts; simpler and cheaper international transfers; and the list goes on. Let’s look at an example of the possible, unexpected side effects of the improved customer service and transparency banks can provide. There’s a great story here about how Monzo helped one customer get his stolen bag back the same night it was taken. There was even a bonus bottle of Jack Daniel’s included. Strong authentication for online payments What is it? Authentication is how the bank or payment provider knows that you are who you say you are. Given how much of your financial information they’ll be able to share, it’s critical that they use it securely. This is where authentication comes in. The new regulations will require multi-factor authentication in many areas. This will include every online purchase over €30. There are three commonly recognized methods of authentication: Using more than one of these methods together is “2-factor” or “multi-factor” authentication. How it affects you The average online
How does data work in open banking?
Open banking is a new financial ecosystem that allows users to securely share their personal financial data with third-party organizations, which can be fintech companies or other financial institutions. By sharing data, these organizations can provide personalized financial services to users. So how is open banking data being processed and what is it used for? Open banking: Managing user consent for data access (consent management) To provide and develop quality products and services, third-party providers (TPPs) need user consent to access their financial data, which is then filtered and processed for research purposes, and to build new financial products and services. Consent management is a sensitive issue that requires caution and understanding of legal and technical aspects. Contrary to popular belief, consent management is not simply clicking or checking the “Agree” box; it is a structured process that complies with regulations and directives in each region and country, such as the PSD2 directive or GDPR regulations in the EU. The approval management process in banking usually proceeds as follows: Some organizations may have different ways of expressing the agreement to access data, but this will be the most common mechanism, often used in: Understanding how data and information flow during the consent request process is a key factor in the transparency and success of organizations in open banking. The process of managing the approval of open banking data sharing The approval management process is typically divided into three stages: a. Agreement stage b. Verification stage c. Authorization stage Throughout the process, users are always aware of who they are granting data access to, for how long, and for what purpose. In particular, users can withdraw consent at any time. The information users are aware of typically includes: Open banking data sharing: How does it work? Open banking allows third-party financial service providers to access information with the user’s permission. Technically, this process is carried out through open APIs. Legally, the data sharing process is monitored and regulated according to current government regulations, such as the Payment Services Directive PSD2 in the EU or the Open Banking Act in the UK. However, these regulations vary by region, so the types of data shared through open banking services also differ. Typically, to ensure transparency and integrity, there will be multiple layers of security and verification in the data exchange process between financial institutions and third-party providers. The transmission of data from one side to the other is done in “an instant” thanks to APIs to ensure seamless, safe, and efficient communication. Who can access open banking data? Not everyone can access data in open banking. To view this data, consent from the user is required, and the third-party provider must also be licensed. Third-party providers must meet specific requirements before being granted access to the user’s financial information. Regulatory authorities will be responsible for granting access to user data for third-party providers, such as in Australia, where the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is responsible for licensing open banking data. These authorities are responsible for ensuring that the sharing of personal financial data does not violate the law and can grant, modify, or revoke data collection licenses. What data is collected in open banking? The data collected by open banking service providers may vary depending on the regulations of each country/region as well as the type of services provided. Regulatory authorities often impose strict regulations on the type of information that can be collected, limiting the scope of data collection to ensure that third-party providers only access what is necessary. The most commonly collected data includes: How do open banks protect user data? In fact, data protection in open banking is a matter of great concern to regulatory agencies and financial institutions. Security measures implemented include: However, alongside protective measures, there are still some risks that developers and users are concerned about, such as: In summary, while it is impossible to completely eliminate risks, current security measures have been established to ensure that user data is safely protected in open banking systems. However, users should also protect themselves by using strong passwords, regularly updating software, and being vigilant against phishing attacks. Additionally, allowing users to manage open banking data is also a great way for users to take responsibility for when and how they want to provide their information. Third-party providers need to clearly inform about the purpose and the data that will be collected to ensure transparency and the privacy of open banking data. About SAVYINT and the SAVYINT Open Banking solution SAVYINT is a trusted service provider leading the market and is in the TOP 10 leading IT companies in Vietnam. SAVYINT has successfully developed the SAVYINT Open Banking solution – a specialized system dedicated to the Finance – Banking sector, meeting legal and technological requirements to create connections and build a digital financial ecosystem. With a solid technological infrastructure and experience in deployment and operation, SAVYINT provides customers with advanced technology and the best user experience. The SAVYINT Open Banking solution encompasses all the features to become a reputable standard platform in the Finance – Technology field: Open banking applications are the key to accelerating growth in the financial sector. Connect with SAVYINT now to leverage and experience the features and benefits of open banking today!